July 28, 2008, Port Washington NY - Pet lovers at North Shore Animal League America acknowledge that the actual birth dates of most rescue dogs are unknown. To give these wonderful animals their much deserved recognition and celebration, they are are holding a first annual doggie birthday bash on August 1, 2008, to be known hereafter as DOGust the First. They will be declaring the first day of the eighth month of 2008 as DOGust the First, a universal birthday for rescue dogs everywhere. To glorify the occasion, a very special canine, “King DOGust the First”, will herald the celebration for all his shelter dog friends, with the shelter’s cats as honored guests.

The DOGust the First birthday party, open to the public, starts at 11 AM at the shelter, 16 Lewyt St., Port Washington, and will feature refreshments, games and goodie bags for all adopters. There will be a presentation of animal-related topics by Animal League experts and a humane education program for children offered by Rescue Ink. The Animal League will offer a 50% discount for all adopters beginning Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3.

Beth Ostrosky, Animal League spokesperson, will host the event, with her own “best friend” Bianca, helping King DOGust the First greet partygoers. Celebrity friends of the Animal League will join Beth, King DOGust the First, and the shelter’s dogs to blow out the candles on a spectacular “bone” cake. The list includes:

Mýa - Grammy award-winning recording artist and actress

Rescue Ink - the Long Island-based animal rescue and humane education group, known for their tough-guy images and hearts of gold when it comes to animals

Josh Flitter – teen actor, star of the Nancy Drew Movie and the upcoming Ace Ventura 3: Pet Detective;

Vivien Cardone – teen actress, “A Beautiful Mind”, the WB series Everwood, and starring soon-to-be released family film, All Roads Lead to Home

Brandon Hannan – teen actor, The Sopranos and appearing an upcoming feature film Our Lady of Victory with Ellen Burstyn;

Hallie Kate Eisenberg – teen film, Broadway and commercial actress;

Eli the Chihuahua - pet celebrity, the 2007 Milkbone Dog Biscuit box model

Beth Joy Knutsen and Bella Starlet Dog - competitors on the current CBS network show, Greatest American Dog.

While often times the age of animals is identifiable, their actual birth dates are not. ”A birthday celebration is an opportunity to express our sentiments for one another. These wonderful animals are so full of life and love, and live to please us,“ said Ms. Ostrosky, adding “Now we have a day set aside to honor them and return the unconditional love and adoration they give us, day after day. These sweet animals crave our affection and company, so we can imagine the warm feelings they will experience from all the extra attention on their special day, DOGust the First.”

To preview all of the dogs available for adoption at North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal shelter, and for directions to the shelter, visit www.AnimalLeague.org.